On 21 June 2018, the Institute for Infection and Immunity invited members of the public into our laboratories for the first time to both hear about what we do, and also to see where it is done. Most people will never have set foot in a research laboratory, and we wanted to give people the chance to step into our world of test-tubes and specialised equipment to experience it for themselves.
The tour included visits to laboratories studying our immune systems, our rooftop greenhouse, our Vaccine Institute.
During the afternoon, researchers from the institute talked about their work in these labs, as well as about the way genomics – the study of our DNA – is being used to support our clinicians in the hospital. Both visitors and staff really enjoyed the day and we plan to make Open Lab Day an annual event. Watch out for announcements, or contact our Institute Manager for future dates.